As an iPhone user, you rely on your device’s volume buttons to control the sound output for various activities such as playing music, watching videos, or receiving phone calls. However, it can be frustrating when these volume buttons suddenly stop working. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! In this article, I will walk you through several troubleshooting steps to fix the issue and get your volume buttons working again.
What Could Cause the iPhone Volume Buttons to Stop Working?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s explore some common reasons why your iPhone volume buttons may have stopped working.
One possible cause is a software glitch. Updates or changes to your iPhone’s operating system can sometimes disrupt the functionality of certain features, including the volume buttons. Another possibility is that your iPhone case is obstructing the buttons, preventing them from being pressed properly. Additionally, dirt, debris, or moisture may have accumulated around the volume buttons, affecting their responsiveness. Lastly, a more serious hardware issue could be to blame, requiring professional intervention.
iPhone Volume Buttons Not Working? How to Fix!
Now that we understand some of the potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue with your iPhone volume buttons:
Ensure Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons are Enabled
The first thing you should check is whether the volume buttons on your iPhone are enabled in the device’s settings. To do this, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Ensure that the “Change with Buttons” option is toggled on. If it’s already enabled, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Remove Your iPhone Case
If the volume buttons are enabled but still not working, it’s possible that your iPhone case is interfering with their functionality. Remove your iPhone from its case and try pressing the volume buttons again. If they start working, it may be time to consider a different case that allows for better access to the buttons.
Clean the Volume Buttons
Dirt, debris, or even a buildup of oils from your fingers can impede the proper functioning of the volume buttons. Take a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab and gently clean around the buttons. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or use any liquids that could damage your iPhone.
Hard Reset Your iPhone
If the previous steps haven’t solved the issue, try performing a hard reset on your iPhone. This can help resolve software glitches that may be affecting the volume buttons. To perform a hard reset, press and hold both the sleep/wake button and the volume down button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Once the device restarts, check if the volume buttons are now working.
Reset All Settings
If the hard reset didn’t solve the problem, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will restore your device’s settings to their factory defaults without deleting any data. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. After the reset is complete, test the volume buttons to see if they are functioning properly.
Use AssistiveTouch to Adjust Volume on iPhone
If none of the previous solutions have worked, you can utilize the AssistiveTouch feature on your iPhone to adjust the volume. AssistiveTouch creates a virtual button on your screen that can perform various functions, including controlling the volume. To enable AssistiveTouch, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch. Toggle the switch to turn it on, and you will see a floating button on your screen. Tap the button, then go to Device > Volume Up or Volume Down to adjust the volume.
Use Control Center to Adjust Volume
Another option for adjusting the volume on your iPhone is to use Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhone models) to access Control Center. From there, you can adjust the volume slider to increase or decrease the sound output. If the volume buttons are still not working, this method provides a convenient alternative.
Adjust Volume Right From Specific Apps
Some apps have their own volume controls that override the system settings on your iPhone. If you are experiencing issues with the volume buttons in a particular app, check if the app itself has volume controls within its settings. Look for options such as “Sound” or “Audio” and adjust the volume accordingly. This can help you regain control over the volume within that specific app.
Update Software
Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is essential for maintaining optimal performance and fixing any bugs or glitches. Check if there are any available software updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Sometimes, a software update can resolve issues with the volume buttons.
Erase Your iPhone and Restore From Backup
If all else fails, you can try erasing your iPhone and restoring it from a backup. This should only be done as a last resort, as it will erase all data on your device. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. After the erasure is complete, set up your iPhone as new or restore from a backup using iTunes or iCloud. This process may help resolve any underlying software issues causing the volume buttons to malfunction.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the above solutions have successfully restored the functionality of your iPhone volume buttons, it’s time to reach out to Apple Support. They can provide further guidance and assistance in diagnosing and resolving the issue. Visit the Apple Support website or contact their customer service directly to initiate a support request.
